Russia contacted US twice about alleged Boston bomberTwo U.S. officials briefed on the Boston marathon investigation say the Russian government contacted the FBI and the CIA separately in 2011 with concerns about Tamerlan Tsarnaev, one of the men authorities say was behind the attacks.

Under criticism, GOP puts off its health care billAn effort by House Republicans to highlight problems with President Barack Obama's health care law by bailing out a program for people with pre-existing medical conditions appeared to backfire Wednesday.

US team speaking to bombing suspects' parents in RussiaU.S. investigators are in contact with the parents of the two Boston bombing suspects in southern Russia and working with Russian security officials to shed light on the deadly attack, a U.S. Embassy official said Wednesday.

Orders for US durable goods fall 5.7 pct. in MarchOrders for long-lasting U.S. factory goods fell in March by the most in seven months. The drop reflected a steep decline in commercial aircraft demand and little growth in orders that signal future business investment.

Dems, GOP press White House on drone useSenate Democrats and Republicans on Tuesday challenged the Obama administration to spell out its justification for using drones for targeted killings amid growing concerns about unchecked powers of the presidency and Americans' civil liberties.